Conor Gallagher accepts his departure from Chelsea and will fly to seal his transfer to Atlético de Madrid TODAY
Conor Gallagher will travel to Madrid today to complete his move from Chelsea, talkSPORT understands.
Gallagher has agreed a five-year deal with Atletico Madrid, who have… Negotiated a £33m deal with the blues.
The English international rejected the offer of a new two-year contract at Stamford Bridge as he does not feel the length of the deal reflects his position in the team.
However, Chelsea are understood to have made it clear to Gallagher that he is not expected to be a first-team regular in the coming seasons under new manager Enzo Maresca, with his possession-based style of football.
As a result, Gallagher was Banished from the first team The club is not prepared to let him leave on a free transfer next year.
Chelsea had previously accepted a club record bid from Aston Villa for the 24-year-old but the player rejected the move.
Gallagher has been with Chelsea since he was eight and spent four loan spells, at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Swansea, before breaking into the first team in 2022.
Over the past two years, he has contributed ten goals and ten assists in 95 matches in all competitions.
Incredibly, he has missed just four top-flight games in 2023/24, with no Chelsea player featuring in more games than Gallagher's 50 last campaign.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara believes it would be a huge mistake if Chelsea let him go.
Responding to the news that Atletico's transfer offer had been accepted, the talkSPORT co-presenter said: “I think it's a disgrace. They're letting him go.
“He is the captain of the football club, he works hard and loves the team.
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“Everyone loves him and he gives his all on the football pitch. You will never see him disappear on the football pitch.
“What it lacks in quality it makes up for in heart and desire.
“I think they are making a mistake by getting rid of players like that.”
